A countertop dishwasher could be a good option if you have a suitable worktop, wash small loads and can arrange the water supply and drainage for your chosen model. If you have a permanent space on the floor, compare 45 cm and 60 cm models based on the space available and the dishes you need to wash per cycle. A water tank can mean you don’t need a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need to manage the wastewater and check the electrical connection.
Your choice depends first on how much space you can give the appliance, then on how much washing up you want to do in one load.
A countertop appliance is worth considering if you can give it a stable surface without getting in the way of using your kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 6-place-setting countertop models as an option for smaller homes. Check the route for the drain hose, too: having space on the worktop doesn’t necessarily mean installation will be possible.
If you’d rather free up your worktop and can install a floor-standing appliance, measure the whole alcove. The Bosch SPS2HKI58E, for example, measures 84,5 × 45 × 60 cm according to Bosch France: its 45 cm width doesn’t mean it’s only 45 cm deep.
If several meals’ worth of washing up builds up between cycles, check that larger items will fit in the loading space and consider how many cycles you’d be happy to run. Living in a small home doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be happy with a small load per cycle.
First rule out any sizes you can’t install at home. Then compare the load you need to wash and the Eco programme details.
Worth considering: if you don’t have space on the floor and small loads suit your washing-up routine.
The trade-off: the appliance takes up preparation space, and its wastewater needs to be drained away, even if it has a tank.
Worth considering: if you have a permanent space that’s narrower than the space needed for a 60 cm model.
The trade-off: you’ll also need to allow for the height, depth and connections. According to Bosch France, the Bosch SPS2HKI58E measures 84,5 × 45 × 60 cm.
Worth considering: if you have the space and a larger load per cycle would suit your needs.
The trade-off: according to Bosch France, the Bosch SMS2HTW06E measures 84,5 × 60 × 60 cm. Check that this width still leaves enough room to move around the kitchen.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Space needed | Measure the available width, height and depth. Also allow space to load the appliance, open cupboards and route the hoses. As a guide for these specific models, Bosch France gives dimensions of 45 × 55,1 × 50 cm for the compact SKS2ITI00E and 84,5 × 45 × 60 cm for the SPS2HKI58E. | I can set aside part of the worktop, or I’d rather keep that space free and use a floor-standing alcove. |
| Water supply and drainage | Check how the exact model is filled, where it drains and how the hose can be routed. Daan Tech says Bob can use a 4 L tank without a fixed water supply, but its drain hose must still be connected. Its guide warns that outlet water can reach 70 °C. | If there’s no fixed water supply nearby, I need to be able to fill the appliance and drain the wastewater as set out in its instructions. |
| Load per cycle | Compare the stated place-setting capacity with your plates, dishes and pans. Check the interior layout and how many cycles your usual load would require. | Some of my meals leave me with larger items, so I want to know whether they’ll fit alongside the rest of the washing up. |
| Electrical connection | Check the appliance’s electrical specifications and the socket you plan to use. For installation in France, Promotelec says a dishwasher socket must be on a dedicated circuit. Ask a qualified professional to assess any changes needed to the installation. | In my small kitchen, I want a suitable socket where I plan to put the appliance, without using an extension block near water. |
| Eco programme | Look at capacity, water per cycle, energy per 100 cycles and Eco programme duration together on the energy label, as described by the European Commission. Compare specific models, not just their width. | I want to compare how much each appliance washes per load, rather than looking at a consumption figure in isolation. |
Manual filling can mean you don’t need a fixed water supply, but the used water still has to drain out of the appliance. For Bob, Daan Tech says the drain hose must be connected and warns that outlet water can reach 70 °C.
Before you buy, identify where the appliance will drain and check the exact model’s instructions for the hose route, how to secure it and the permitted drainage conditions.
This figure alone won’t tell you how your pans and dishes will fit in the rack. A small load may also mean running more cycles if washing up builds up.
Make a list of the washing up from a typical day, including larger items, then compare it with the loading space and your washing routine.
45 cm refers to the width, not all three dimensions. According to Bosch France, the SPS2HKI58E measures 84,5 × 45 × 60 cm, so you’ll need enough height and depth for it.
Measure the available space in all three dimensions and check how much room the connections need behind the appliance.
The chosen space also needs to work for the electrical connection. For France, Promotelec says a dishwasher socket must be on a dedicated circuit.
Check the available socket and the model’s specifications. If the installation needs to be changed, consult a qualified professional.
These examples give you an idea of the available sizes and connection options; they don’t represent every model from each brand.
The manufacturer describes Bob as a mini dishwasher that can be filled using its 4 L tank or connected to a water supply.
The Bosch France product pages for the SKS2ITI00E, SPS2HKI58E and SMS2HTW06E provide examples for comparing a compact model, a 45 cm model and a 60 cm model respectively.
A French sales listing from Darty gives the TD602E-W countertop model a capacity of 6 place settings.
These options are suited to situations where you have worktop space for a small dishwasher. Their stated capacities and filling methods differ, so measure the usable space and check the installation instructions for the model you choose.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a small appliance with a tank rather than a fixed water supply. The title lists a built-in 5 L tank and “5+1” wash cycles. Before setting aside space for it, check the instructions for the dimensions, drainage, clearances and electrical specifications.
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This table-top model is designed for small loads, provided its interior space suits your dishes. The title lists 7 programmes and automatic door opening. Above all, check the exact model’s dimensions, filling method, drainage and electrical compatibility.
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The 5 L tank mentioned in the title could suit a household without a fixed water supply where the appliance will go. Before choosing this model, check how the wastewater is drained, whether it can be connected to a tap and what its electrical requirements are.
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The stated capacity of 6 place settings gives you a guide if you’re looking for a larger load than a mini model can handle. Before choosing this appliance, measure its overall dimensions and check the water connections, drainage and required electrical connection.
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Check that this countertop model will fit the space you have and handle your usual load. Daan Tech says Bob can be filled using its 4 L tank, but the drain hose must still be connected. Check the instructions for this variant to confirm the right water supply, drainage and electrical connection for your home.
Yes, for filling, if the model is designed for this. You’ll still need to arrange drainage. Daan Tech says Bob can use its 4 L tank without a fixed water supply, but the drain hose must be connected. Check which drainage options are permitted for your installation.
Measure the actual usable width, height and depth, then check there’s enough room to load the appliance and route the hoses. According to Bosch France, the compact SKS2ITI00E measures 45 × 55,1 × 50 cm, but the manufacturer no longer sells this model. Use the dimensions of the appliance you’re planning to buy.
Don’t rely on an extension block as your electrical connection. For an installation in France, Promotelec says a dishwasher socket must be on a dedicated circuit. Ask a qualified professional to check the installation if there isn’t a suitable socket or it needs to be moved.
Compare the Eco programme details alongside each model’s capacity, rather than looking only at litres per cycle. The European Commission says dishwasher energy labels include water per cycle, energy per 100 cycles, capacity and programme duration. These details help you put energy use into context with the size of the load washed.